Mikvah Misconceptions

Going to the mikvah is not about getting clean. It’s about getting alive.

Recently, I was at a slam-poetry night where amateurs and professionals alike got up to perform their spoken word. I thought performances would be about whimsical rhymes and cryptic novelties.

But then it happened.

One performer started lambasting believers of the Bible for considering women to be "dirty" during their menstruation, quoting Leviticus 15:19 where it states, "When a woman has her regular flow of blood…anyone who touches her will be unclean." I was offended, not just by the attack on this verse which I consider to be part of holy scripture. No, I was offended on behalf of my mother.

You see, I was raised in a home that had a Jewish communal bath-house, a mikvah, adjacent to it. The mikvah is where women immerse in a ritual bath after their menstruation cycle is completed (Leviticus 15:24-27). This mikvah was a gorgeous redwood cottage housing an artwork-adorned lounge and a spa-like pool lined with sparkling blue tiles. My mother spent 30 years volunteering to run this mikvah, and I never once got the impression that these women were coming there because they were "unclean" or "dirty." My mother dedicated her life to doing whatever she could to make the "mikvah experience" one of joy and meaning for these women. As I took in the words of the poet that night, I thought to myself, "Could it be that my mother really believed these women were ‘dirty’ and in need of hygienic decontamination?"

My subsequent research revealed that meticulous physical cleanliness was actually a prerequisite for using a mikvah in the first place (Talmud, Baba Kama 82A). Furthermore, the mikvah ritual was also a key part of the Temple service performed by none other than the High Priest himself on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar (Leviticus 16:24). Finally, the importance of having a mikvah ranks even higher in Jewish law than that of having a synagogue (Megilla 27a, Meshiv Davar 2:45).

Most poignantly, it turns out that original Hebrew wording of the verse in question was subtly but distinctively mistranslated. The Hebrew word used in this verse is not the word "meluchlach – unclean," but the word "tamei” which means “impure." This is the same wording used in reference to the High Priest's need to go to the mikvah (Leviticus 21:4). This lack of purity has no unique connection with women, nor does it have anything to do with being physically dirty. Rather, the "tahara-purity" referenced in both places indicates a spiritual state that both the High Priest and the menstruating woman experience. So what is the mikvah really about?

Going to the mikvah is not about getting clean. It’s about getting alive.

We see the Torah obsessing with "purity" because the Torah is obsessed with "life" itself. Whether it's valuing life over religious adherence (Yoma 84b), preserving fruit trees that sustain life (Deuteronomy 20:19), or even toasting "L'chaim - to life" at Jewish events, the spirituality of the Torah is anchored with "Keep my statutes…and live by them" (Leviticus 18:5). In other words, it is not the journey to a promised heaven or hell that is the purpose of our souls. It is the everyday journey through this lifetime that our souls were created for. Therefore, the Torah doesn't even have one mention of a heaven or hell throughout the entire Five Books of Moses. However, it does mention the countless stories of women and men pursuing spiritual enlightenment within the physical constraints of reality.

The High Priest and the menstruating woman go to the mikvah when encountering "death" and embracing new "life."

For it is not in death that we find the highest form of spiritual fulfillment. It is in the everyday struggle to do the right thing that you and I become "created in the image of God" (Genesis 1:27). Thus, the ultimate spiritual heights will be achieved when "He will abolish death forever" (Isaiah 25:8).

Both the High Priest and the menstruating woman represent this message, as both go to the mikvah when encountering "death" and embracing new "life." The High Priest must go to the mikvah after coming in contact with death (Leviticus 21:1) or before praying that the past sins of his people be forgiven and a fresh spiritual life be bestowed upon them (Leviticus 16:24).

The menstruating woman honors the egg that has been shed, which will never house a human soul, as she embraces a fresh potential for life that she can now bestow unto the world. This is the magic of the woman, "mother of all life" (Genesis 3:20), as her monthly cycle represents a lesson that even the highest of priests must model -- that we can honor the death of lost opportunities but treasure the life that our new choices create.

Far from being "dirty," the woman's cycle is of the highest purity, for it reminds us that it is the cycles, changes, and opportunities of this physical life that defines our greatest spirituality. In other words, the spiritual rebirth of going to the mikvah is one of refocusing on life and fresh beginnings.

This may be why the night of going to the mikvah is a night of intimacy for a husband and wife and is considered a new "wedding night" (Talmud Niddah 31b). This may be why many people use the mikvah in preparation for a religious holiday or event (Talmud Yevamos 46a). This may also be why the mikvah water must contain pure rain water from the skies (Sifra on Leviticus 11:36), to remind us that the message of the mikvah is to bring heaven down to earth.

So, if you're that poet from the bar and you're reading this right now, I'd like you to know that the Bible does not consider women to be "dirty." That my mother would tell you that a woman's cycle symbolizes a deep truth – that the highest purity is when we are fully honoring life.

About the Author

A member of the Rabbinical Council of America, Rabbi Welton graduated from the Machon Ariel Rabbinical Institute in 2005 and from Bellevue University in 2008 with an M.A. in Education. Having served Jewish communities in San Francisco, Sydney and Montreal, he currently resides in New York and specializes working with youth and young adults.

Visitor Comments: 41

Levi, what a great concept expressed in a beautiful context. Can't wait for more of your writings!

(26)
Anonymous,
January 18, 2014 7:00 PM

Yes, you can still do Mikvah!

In fact, if you've never done it before, I believe that it is a great mitzvah to do it for the first (and last NECESSARY one) time. Good luck! Go for it! And tell us about it! :)

(25)
Sharon,
December 21, 2013 9:00 PM

mikvah for older women?

This conversation has opened my eyes to the significance of the mikvah. Can post menopausal women experience the mikvah? Can this also be a religious and spiritual experience for older women, especially for those who have never been to the mikvah.

Chavi,
December 24, 2013 1:49 PM

I work with the rabbi and he thought you would like to hear my opinion. According to some halachic authorities, while not required, postmenopausal women are allowed to go to the mivkah without any prior preparations. If you feel the preparations will enhance your experiences, you are allowed to do them but are by no means required to. Keep in mind, however, that since you are no longer obligated in the mitzvah of mikvah, a blessing should not be said, as it would be in vain. Your immersion is for a spiritual purpose alone and is not a halachic obligation, thus a blessing should not be recited. It is always a good idea to consult with a local rabbi or mikvah attendant at your personal mikvah as well.

chaya,
September 16, 2014 3:53 PM

one time immersion

Actually, mikvah immersion for a married Jewish woman who is past menopause, will require all preparations and a blessing, since technically, no matter how many years have elapsed since the last cycle, a woman does not attain a tahor (ritually pure) status until she immerses in the mikvah. This one immersion will require the halachic protocol to ensure a kosher immersion and a blessing.It will also sanctify every future union with her husband for the rest of their married lives. What a beautiful blessing to bring to the marriage!

brura,
September 4, 2014 11:44 PM

Why Not?

The mikvah is a ritual immersion. One bathes beforehand to assure that the contact with the mikvah water be kept as pure as possible. The water for the mikvah would be changed and "clean" be provided for each individual. The exact rules I don't know but that a post-menopausal woman would be barred wouldn't happen. Men also have a mikvah. Gender and age have nothing to do with it. Find a local mikvah and inquire. It is all about the spirit and as close to a re-birthing with Hashem each time.

(24)
Anonymous,
December 21, 2013 6:09 PM

wow

this was so inspiring -- i think the most beautiful perspective on mikvah i've ever heard. thank you!!

(23)
Dalia,
December 8, 2013 1:44 AM

Thank You for your wisdom

When I read this article, I was sooo elated. I have been thinking that perhaps women, are not that important to God. I have allowed some thoughts of men to make me disbelieve the Love and the power that God has given women. You have made me re-evaluate my purpose, and my life cycle. You're mother must have been a precious and powerful woman to impart the respect that you expressed about women in this article. Thank you for taking the time out...Honestly, I was waiting for God to talk to me in the scriptures and in my spirit about my position in his eyes, thank you for your obedience.

(22)
Anonymous,
December 7, 2013 11:09 PM

excellent

Excellent article! very well said and sources quoted!

(21)
Anonymous,
December 6, 2013 7:20 PM

Still confused

I think this article was lovely in explaining possible positive way of looking at the mikvah. First, tho, it doesn't say whether or not the poet was Jewish. There are many Jews who believe the same, that when a woman is niddah she is dirty, unclean, even a contaminant. Not only must she go to the mikvah afterwards, but during her period she may not even be touched, no one may sit in the same chair, she can't even touch her own husband, and if he does accidentally touch her (even while being handed a plate of food!), *he's* supposed to go to the mikvah because her mere touch has rendered *him* unclean! How then can this possibly be seen as being in a state of holiness and her cycle being "of the highest purity"?

As one commentor noted, a man is also required to go to the mikvah when he is baal keri, but it's not been my experience that they do...mikvah is for unclean women only, it seems.

Someone else also noted that the article was written by a man who couldn't possibly understand what we go through. I love my Jewish traditions and want to see the beauty in them, but, and I may be very wrong here, this sounds like another article written to try to make a negative side of Judaism for women look like something wonderful when, in actual practice, it isn't and has never been. Sadly, women have been shunted aside, treated as dirty and impure, during their periods from time immemorial...in ancient days women even had to stay in separate quarters! Sadly and in actual practice by our own, we have not been treated with awe and respect for our "holiness" during our periods as we should be, but as pariahs, as implied by the poet. I suspect that he/she may not just have been angry by what is generally considered to be exactly what the Bible says (not everyone knows Biblical Hebrew), but may also have been influenced by what he/she has seen and/or heard in his or her own life. That's certainly been my experience too...treated as dirty until mikvah. :(

Kingsdaughter613,
December 10, 2013 8:35 AM

Some clarification (I hope)

To begin, the reason men do not go to the Mikvah after becoming a Baal Keri is because most of the laws of Tumah and Taharah do not apply today. Besides if men had to go to the Mikvah everytime they released sperm no offense to any men reading this!) they would have no time for anything else.

Today women are allowed to touch everyone during niddah - except for their husbands. The reason has little to do with the women and everything to with the men. One particular law may interest you: if a man is sick his wife may care for him but if she is sick then he should not. Why? Because the woman can be trusted not to thinking about sex. The man we aren't so certain of! Even when all the laws of tummah and taharah were in full force, the need for a woman to keep herself separate was not seen as her being unclean. To help you understand I'll bring up another case of impurity - someone who has become impure due to being in contact with a dead body. Anyone he touches becomes impure as well. But do we consider this person to be unclean? On the contrary! Those who care for the bodies of the dead are held in the highest esteem and are said to be performing the greatest act of kindness possible. In a similar manner a woman in Niddah can transmit impurity to others through touch. That does not mean she is considered to be unclean.

Personally, I have always found going to the mikvah to be a deeply spiritual experience. For those few moments when I am submerged I truly feel pure. In addition, niddah and mikvah provide a social benefit. Many studies have shown that abstention is good for marriage.

You should be aware though that Biblical niddah is NOT the same as the niddah cycle today. The Torah has different laws for each type of flow. However the rabbis later said that the strictest form would be the one observed in all cases.

These are my own opinions however. You may want to discuss your concerns with someone far more knowledgeable than I.

Anonymous,
December 11, 2013 2:08 PM

surrounding oneself with misconceptions

If you have been "treated as dirty until mikvah" then you have been surrounded by people who lack the true spirit of yiddishkeit. You need to get involved with those who have the spirit of the law in their hearts. These characters need to be re-educated. If Hashem loves us all and we are supposed to emulate Him then who are these people that hold their noses up to you? HaShem doesn't, so why should they? I hope these people love you enough to change their ways. You need to be loved, not shunned. I wish you better treatment and much success in your journey.

Anonymous,
December 15, 2013 1:11 AM

Waters of Eden

I was deeply saddened by your comment about your mikvah experience. Thank G-d I had a wonderful kallah teacher who helped me see the beauty of these mitzvos before I got married. The mikvah celebrates life and reconnects us with our Source. If you are interested in learning more, there are wonderful teachers (try contacting your local mikvah for help locating one) and books that can help you appreciate this beautiful mitzvah in its depth. One book in particular that has had a great impact on me and my mikvah experiences is "Waters of Eden" by R' Aryeh Kaplan, which can be found here: http://www.artscroll.com/Books/u-watp.html

Anonymous,
December 24, 2013 2:06 PM

I work with the Rabbi and he wanted to make sure you were satisfied with these answers or were looking for more...:) You present excellent insights and he would love to discuss more if you are still questioning. All the best.

(20)
Susan,
December 6, 2013 6:40 PM

Thank you for your caring and your clarity. This certainly acccords with my experience, though I never put words to it.

(19)
Marla,
December 6, 2013 2:18 PM

this is an excellent explanation of meaning, something i am actively searching for in my quest to understand and participate in my Judaism. thank you.

(18)
Anthony,
December 6, 2013 1:52 PM

Ritual impurity

If the words of the Torah is misinterpreted why don't they translate the Torah directly from the original Hebrew to our modern language and disregard the Greek interpretation in used today.That way we will all purchase the new Torah and disregard all the existingversion floating around the world.

(17)
anonymous,
December 6, 2013 10:42 AM

wow great- the best article

This is the best article I have ever read about the explanation for mikvah. Fantastic. Please spread the word (maybe the NEw YOrk TImes?) This is a subject that requires clarification in a public forum.

(16)
Anonymous,
December 6, 2013 7:15 AM

thanks

this was a very beautiful article. thanks

(15)
Batya,
December 6, 2013 2:29 AM

Thankyou, very insightful

(14)
Gabriel McDonald,
December 6, 2013 1:55 AM

Citations

I LOVE the use of frequent citations. It provides a great frame of reference for my studying !

(13)
Miriam,
December 6, 2013 1:50 AM

Impurity only occurs where there was great purity and power before.

For example, a dead body is impure; a kohen, priest, becomes impure when being in the presence of a dead body. But the dead body of an animal is not impure since when the animal was alive it did not contain holiness so its death is not a cause for impurity. Impurity is the lack of life and greatness where life and greatness and power existed before. That's why only a woman becomes impure and not a man. Because only a woman has the potential of life, the egg, inside of her. When the egg dies, the lack of life makes her impure. Only her greatness, her holiness, her enhanced life-creating abilities makes it possible for her to be impure when it leaves her. It's proof of her greater holiness and purity.

(12)
Mary,
December 6, 2013 12:04 AM

Ritual impurity

This is an inspiring article. It was always my impression that the Mikvah was to establish ritual purity;I did not realize that it was connected to life.

(11)
Joan Johnson,
December 5, 2013 9:26 PM

Informative

I was surprised to find a mikvah in Bridgetown, Barbados discovered by archeologists. It sits next to Nidhe Israel Synagogue, where we toured the museum. I believe it is the oldest mikvah in the western hemisphere. Loved your explanation.

(10)
Anonymous,
December 5, 2013 8:27 PM

I'm not oppressed, thanks for asking.

First, wonderful article thank you. As a former writing instructor, I would question the poets urge to out speak on behalf of a culture or religion they do not share or understand. Women, in this instance, are not forced-they choose. (Seems in line with the folks who speak so vehemently and publicly agianst prostotizing and religion, and insist others join them. A little prostiltizing if there own that regularly goes unmentioned.) Additionally, another interpretation of the quote cited is that it doesn't say SHE is unclean. So it doesn't imply a sort of spiritual "cooties". It warns who touch her will be...perhaps G-d is honoring women here, reminding and demanding they have a little "me time" to quote the popular culture. And a noticable relevent ritual ending one and beginning another . Just a thought.

Anonymous,
December 24, 2013 1:56 PM

I work with the Rabbi and he loves your insight about the woman's "me time." Definitely a great approach!

(9)
Marilyn Nathan,
December 5, 2013 7:58 PM

Thanks for standing up for what is really the truth according to the standard of the Jewish Faith. I grew up going to a mikviah with my great grandmother, however she told me not to tell my friends because they would not really understand what it meant. She was right, I told a couple of friends who did not respect this and made fun of "Jews being dirty" and not able to afford a tub at home.

(8)
Anonymous,
December 5, 2013 7:25 PM

Never have I read a greater explanation for this tremendous mitzvah! The worlds view of the mikvah couldn't be farther from the truth. As a recently married woman it takes getting use to, but there's no denying that it's a very spiritual time!!:)

(7)
Zippora Gordon,
December 5, 2013 5:47 PM

Yasher Koach Levi!

What a great way to honor your mother's 30 years of service! Sharona gave even more than you know - up at all hours to be available to ladies who came from very far to use the mikvah - helped with shilahs, never ever rushed anyone, and even did all the laundry herself. I loved going to the Berkeley mikveh...

(6)
SUSAN WEINBERGER,
December 5, 2013 5:26 PM

wow!

what a beautiful article. It is unfortunate that the same people who refuse to put their children in jewish schools are the same ones who talk bad about everything religious people do (and even not religious women use the mikva) Why aren't they doing their homework? asking Rabbis ? Get your information up to date before telling the world that there is no G-d! Today there is NO EXCUSE!! GOOGLE KNOWS EVERYTHING!!!

(5)
lloyd bloom,
December 5, 2013 4:37 PM

On the meaning of the mikveh

Good.

(4)
Anonymous,
December 5, 2013 4:32 PM

a man cant accurately write an article about something he has never experienced

Articles about the beauty of a mikvah - written by a man who is not burdened with the tasks for years after year are insensitive. How can anyone write about something that they dont live.

Anonymous,
December 7, 2013 6:55 PM

Why a Burden?

I went to the mikveh for all of my married life and am now 75 years old. I never, ever felt it was a burden. On the contrary, it was always a beautiful, refreshing, rejuvenating experience for me.

I ran a mikveh for two years on a moshav in the negev and never met a woman who thought it was a burden. Some of the women even expressed themselves by saying that they felt sorry for those who don't go, as they are missing such an inspiring experience.

Anonymous,
December 24, 2013 2:02 PM

I work with the Rabbi and he thought you would like to hear my opinion, from a woman's perspective. While women can truly appreciate the nature of going to the mikvah monthly, and men do not have the same requirement, I believe that men do still experience the beauty and spiritual inspiration that comes with going to the mikvah. In some communities, men go to the mikvah every day in order to uplift themselves spiritually. The point of mikvah is not to be a burden, rather a blessing, and a man can definitely understand what a blessing it is.

(3)
Anonymous,
December 5, 2013 4:15 PM

Beautiful article...But one thing still lingers for me

As a mikvah observant married woman, I found your article to be very uplifting. Thank you SO much for writing it!!

The one thing that has bothered me about the role of mikvah in our community is why in modern times is it primarily reserved for women to acknowledge the passing of potential life, but not for men to acknowledge the same thing. As I am sure you know, the verses in Leviticus that state the laws of tumah and tahara for a nidda, come after MANY verses dedicated to the same for a man. When a man has a seminal emission outside the context of intimacy within a relationship, he takes the status of a baal keri, presumably for the same reasons why a woman is a nidda -- there was a loss of life in his unused semen and that waste is something that Jewish law accounts for.

The laws are very detailed about the need for a baal keri to go to the mikvah and explains that he is unclean etc. and anyone who comes in contact with him is unclean etc.

Yet today, the laws for a baal keri are not observed. Men do not go to the mikveh with the exception of some in the chassidic sect who are devout about the laws of male purity, or prior to yom kippur.

This lack of equability in the ritual purification of the two genders in Judaism has always signaled to me that something went wrong in the evolution of oral law when it comes to men immersing in the mikvah. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciate.

Regards!

Menachem,
December 6, 2013 1:58 PM

Laws of Keri

The laws of Keri are in full force nowadays (as observant jewish men surely know) in that men are forbidden from wasting their seed. Such a law does not exist for women (as they are biologically different) and therefore men can find it unfair that they have a restriction which women do not.

On the other hand, when you ask that men should also be required to go to the mikva, the general requirement of mikva purity does not appy to men nowadays as the laws of mikva purity for a male do not carry a practical application other than spiritually purity. However, the laws of female purity for married women have a practical implication as stated in the Leviticus 18:19. An unmarried woman does not have to go to the mikva similar to the reason why a man is not required to go to the mikva.

(2)
AllenA,
December 5, 2013 3:48 PM

spread of disease in mikvah

It is not uncommon for skin and gastrointestinal diseases to be spread from swimming pools that are not properly chlorinated (or otherwise disinfected.). Being just well washed before entering a mikvah will greatly reduce the potential spread of disease, but will not completely stop the spread of disease organisms. Can halacha allow the use of chlorine, bromine or ozone in a mikvah.

Nechama,
December 7, 2013 6:51 PM

Chlorine in Mikveh

Here in Israel, every mikveh is inspected by the ministry of health and must contain chlorine.There is no halachic problem there.

I would assume that it is the same in the US but I don't know.

(1)
Toby Klein Greenwald,
December 3, 2013 11:57 AM

Excellent column

Thanks for showing a side that is different from the current political noise.

Anonymous,
December 5, 2013 5:32 PM

Excellent , Refreshing Kol Hakavod!

Excellent ,Refreshing Kol HaKavod!

Batya,
December 6, 2013 2:46 AM

There is also the idea that water is Torah. The measurement of 40 Amos represents the order of hishtalshelut , how different levels of Torah are drawn down into the world. Torah is life giving. So you are immersing in the waters of Torah. However today there is a level of Torah above the creation of the worlds. This is Torah that emerges from the inner most chamber of self. Perhaps when one reaches this level of being it is a reversed idea that he/ she is affecting all levels of creation when immersing in the Mikvah today.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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